Chateau Rolland-Maillet, Saint-Emilion, Grand Cru 2005 Upon first opening this bottle was uncharacteristically rustic for a Rolland wine; patience is rewarded with 10 minutes or so of air. In the mouth however, the fruit is immediately apparent and the texture is supple – very approachable and ready to drink.
A second bottle opened in November ’09 shows a little leather and herbaceousness which adds a nice touch of complexity though the level of brett was too much for most of the class. The property is 3.5 hectares of clay and gravel in the area known as Corbin and is planted to 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Franc, over 30 years in age. The wine is vinified at Le Bon Pasteur and aged up to 15 months in one year old French oak barrels. Mis en bouteille a Pomerol 14% $43.99 at Bottle Barn Rolland